San Diego Fly Rideshttp://sandiegoflyrides.com
Electric Bike Tours in San Diego
Thu, 16 May 2019 19:58:25 +0000 en-US
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1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.1.1Best Cube Electric Bikes Coming to the US in 2018http://sandiegoflyrides.com/best-cube-electric-bikes-coming-to-the-us-in-2018/
Tue, 18 Sep 2018 21:13:16 +0000http://sandiegoflyrides.com/?p=1010Cube electric bikes are some of the most sought after bikes in Europe and Canada. Cube has not taken these German-made beauties to the States very heavily for reasons unknown, but the good news is that they will be coming to Fly Rides shortly! A very limited number of dealers will be carrying this top-of-the-line brand, including yours truly. We ...

]]>Cube electric bikes are some of the most sought after bikes in Europe and Canada. Cube has not taken these German-made beauties to the States very heavily for reasons unknown, but the good news is that they will be coming to Fly Rides shortly! A very limited number of dealers will be carrying this top-of-the-line brand, including yours truly. We fell in love with Cube electric bikes at this year’s Eurobike and could not be more stoked to be a part of their limited network. Let’s take a look at the best Cube electric bikes coming to the US in 2018.

Commuters

Acid Hybrid ONE Allroad 500 29

Starting off the best Cube electric bikes coming to the US in 2018: Nobby cyclocross tires, suspension fork with 100mm of travel, and integrated lights make the Acid Hybrid one of the most versatile and overall remarkable electric commuting bikes on the market. A Bosch Active Line motor provides 20 mph of assistance at 50nm of torque and 250 watts. The cyclocross tires allow you to take this bike on the road and on any trails you might encounter. This makes it an excellent option for bike touring as well. It’s a bike that is built like a hardtail mountain bike, but rides like a commuter.

When you hop on this bike you’ll probably notice the great handling. You’re in an aggressive enough position to keep some weight over the wheel, but in a comfortable enough position to ride for miles and miles. The Active line motor provides enough assistance for riders with moderate hills and have some cycling experience.

Town Hybrid Pro 500

If you are looking for a more classic look with unbelievably easy entry, check out this electric commuter. The Town Hybrid series is great for comfortably cruising around town or taking on serious commutes. Integrated lights mean you can ride into the night, and a rack makes it possible to bring all your gear along. One of the things I love about these 2018 Cube electric bikes with Bosch’s Active line motor is that Cube still opted to bring along 500 watt hour batteries. Most other manufacturers opt for the 400 watt hour as a continued cost saving measure, but when you have the 50nm Active line, sometimes it’s necessary to stay in higher levels of assistance. Cube helps you with this by including the 500 watt hour option.

When I hopped on this bike, I loved the upright position. The Shimano Nexus 8-speed hub is easy to use and the chainguard helps keep your pants grease free. I love having a café lock so that I don’t have to fully lock up the bike if I’m still within eyeshot of it. The 26″ wheels should offer plenty of maneuverability and speed, especially for smaller riders.

Cross Hybrid ONE 400

If you’re in the market for a more basic ride, this is your answer. This is one of the best bikes for entry level e-cyclists, but it will also spoil you. The cyclocross style frame keeps riders in a very comfortable position while the suspension fork provides comfort on bumpy streets and allows for some curb hopping. For a pretty “normal” bike it also has some great features like Shimano hydraulic disc brakes.

The ride on this one reminded me a lot of my days riding a fixie around Golden Hill when I moved into town as a young, hip 20-something. Now that I’m a slightly older, still hip, 20-something, this felt like an appropriate upgrade. It’s not going to brake the bank and it keeps you in the action while still getting you up the hills of downtown San Diego.

E-MTBs

Stereo Hybrid 120 ONE 500

Cube’s full suspension mountain bikes are great. Cube designed the Stereo Hybrid series with 120mm of full suspension travel which is the perfect amount for mountain bikers looking for some cross country riding. You’ll be able to hit gravel, dirt, fire roads, and maybe even a few single track sections if they don’t have crazy drops.

Cube uses a pretty traditional four-bar suspension system. There’s a reason this system is so popular–because it works! It keeps your wheels on the ground and riders in control as they cruise down rough terrain. Those who choose this bike are also going to get a Bosch Performance CX system along with Shimano Deore drivetrain and Shimano BR-M315 hydraulic disc brakes.

Stereo Hybrid 140 Pro 500 27.5

A 2018 electric mountain bike lineup wouldn’t be complete without a bike with the Bosch PowerTube option. The Stereo Hybrid 140 Pro feeds that need for integration expertly. This is definitely a bit more rugged than the mountain bike above. It offers a headtube angle of 67.3 degrees for a pretty aggressive ride. Riders are also upgraded to a Shimano Deore XT drivetrain. Price is kept down with the cost effective Suntour suspension setup.

This Bosch Powertube bike impressed me quite a bit in comparison to a lot of its competitors. I don’t think a lot of electric bike manufacturers quite knew what to do with the Powertube. Some Bosch Powertube options just feel kind of clunky, but the Cube Stereo Hybrid keeps a nice feeling ride while integrating incredibly effectively.

Stereo Hybrid 120 EXC 500

The final electric mountain bike I want to feature is perfect for riders looking into a high end cross country trail rider. A Fox Rhythm fork, Shimano Deore XT 11-speed derailleur, and Bosch Performance CX motor make the Stereo Hybrid 120 EXC a perfect option for intermediate to advanced mountain bikers. Cube offers clearance for a 2.6″ plus-sized tire for those who want a bit more traction.

You can sprint on trails whether going up or downhill thanks to the perfectly designed geometry. It’s a comfortable enough ride so that you can enjoy the full 500 watt hour battery charge. It’s also doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles which helps in keeping the weight down so that you can stay agile.

All-Around Performance

Reaction Hybrid Race 500

If you’re having a hard time deciding between a commuter and a full on mountain bike, look no further than the Reachtion Hybrid Race. This hardtail electric bike features the Bosch PowerPack with Cube’s intelligent integration. It’s like an integrated battery before Bosch was officially offering them. Very innovative. The RockShox Judy fork and Smart Sam tires will offer you plenty of comfort and traction for trails and gravel roads. The hardtail frame means you’re not losing efficiency while you’re on roads. 29″ wheels on the bigger frame sizes allow for maximum speed and comfort as well.

Acid Hybrid ONE Allroad 500 29

This electric bike offers a different type of all-around usage than the hardtail above. The Acid Hybrid ONE Allroad is better designed for bike touring usage. However, it’s still capable of taking on gravel, pavement, and maybe even a bit of loose dirt or mud. Cube again has beautifully integrated the PowerPack battery as opposed to opting for a PowerTube option. I loved riding this bike. It’s the most comfortable I have felt on a touring bike since my Fuji Touring that I adored.

It’s only a 9-speed Shimano derailleur in the back, but that should still offer plenty of power on the Bosch Active line. This is a bike that will definitely keep you in the action, but for true cyclists looking for a little extra kick, it could be the perfect choice.

Wrap Up

The 2018 Cube bikes offer loads of options. Whether you’re looking to cruise within your town or explore the wilderness surrounding it, Cube has you covered. The Bosch e-bike system continues to be an incredibly reliable motor, and the way Cube integrates that system is just perfect.

We’ll have another post on Cube for you guys when the 2019s start rolling in!

]]>Best of Eurobike 2018: Haibike Flyon and more!http://sandiegoflyrides.com/best-of-eurobike-2018-haibike-flyon/
Tue, 14 Aug 2018 18:55:20 +0000http://sandiegoflyrides.com/?p=999The Best of Eurobike 2018 Haibike Flyon and More! Eurobike 2018 has officially come to a close. We’ve been processing all the amazing new technology back stateside. This year, your favorite electric bike brands are offering a lot more than just new electric bike models. Whether you’re looking at the Haibike Flyon, Focus’s new Fazua, or any of the other ...

Eurobike 2018 has officially come to a close. We’ve been processing all the amazing new technology back stateside. This year, your favorite electric bike brands are offering a lot more than just new electric bike models. Whether you’re looking at the Haibike Flyon, Focus’s new Fazua, or any of the other incredible new tech, it’s clear that 2019 is going to be a massive year for electric bikes. Luckily for you, the owners of Fly Rides were at the event! I’ll break down the information for you on our favorite new products, and we’ll have Ike and Megan give their reaction as well. Let’s check out the best of Eurobike 2018 Haibike Flyon and the rest!

Haibike Flyon

Yes, of course we’re starting with everyone’s already most anticipated electric bikes of 2019: the Haibike Flyon Series. You’ve likely heard quite a bit about these, but let’s see if we can’t hammer in some of that new information.

Haibike is the first big name bike brand to make use of the powerful TQ motor. This low-profile machine packs 120 nm of torque and comes with an integrated 630 watt hour battery pack. From what I’ve heard, it still rides like a regular bike as well. It doesn’t feel overpowered. I was initially concerned that Haibike might be going the way of motocross with these motors, but apparently the TQ motor is as refined as it is powerful. It has a unique transmission that allows for a great amount of power while keeping the motor small. Another interesting aspect of this bike is the way it deals with heat. There are air intake vents on the headtube to allow the battery to cool. The faster you go, the quicker the system should cool, theoretically.

These bikes also come with integrated headlights and taillights. The headlight on the NDURO model will offer 5000 lumens which is enough to light up the Mariana trench. The mostly carbon chassis pairs nicely with the lightweight and low-profile TQ motor.

All of the Flyon bikes will be a part of Haibike’s XDURO line. They will offer a few NDURO models, at least one AllMtn, and even a Trekking Flyon bike. But of course this is all information from Eurobike. When can we actually expect these bikes in the United States?

Ike and Megan’s Take:

“No doubt, the Haibike Flyon is getting a lot of buzz already. That said, I wouldn’t hold your breath, it’s likely that this set up won’t be available in the U.S. until late 2019 and most likely not until 2020. It’s still going through rigorous testing to make sure it fits in line with the quality Haibike is known for.”

Focus Project Y and Fazua

Certainly one of the biggest innovations in lightweight electric bikes is the Fazua motor on bikes like the Focus Raven, Bianchi electric bikes, and LaPierre eZesty. This German made system comes in weighing only 10.1 pounds. It’s design is incredibly unique as well making the motor and battery both completely removable in the same way that you would remove a traditional electric bike battery. This means that if you want to ride the bike powerless you’re only adding about two extra pounds. “Won’t this leave a gaping hole in the frame of my bike?” You might be asking. Yes, but the bike also comes with a plastic cover to take care of this issue real quick.

Of course, you give up a little bit in terms of battery size when you go lightweight. The battery only offers 250 watt hours, but the pack itself also only weighs 2 pounds. This makes it very easy to carry an extra battery, and if Focus’s previous battery packs are any indication, an extra power pack shouldn’t be too expensive. Another notable aspect to this bike is its ability to disengage the gearbox at top speed with the likes of Specialized. This means that gaining speed after the governor kicks in should be a breeze.

But, let’s not take my word for it. Fazzio’s! Does this lightweight system offer enough power and disengagement to compete against Bosch, Brose, Yamaha, and Shimano?

Ike and Megan’s Take:

“It’s been interesting to see both directions in terms of motor innovation. On one side you have the Flyon, which is generally all about packing more power and more range, while the Fazua is geared towards refinement and decreasing weight when it comes to an eBike. I think we’re going to have fans of both, but I definitely like the direction Fazua takes things as this will greatly appeal to more acoustic cyclists as well as those wanting to utilize an ebike for urban living! I really think the Fazua will be in a class of it’s own, at least for now. You’ll see this system less on eMTB’s and more on sexy road bikes and compact styles designed for short or small assistant windows.”

Yamaha’s 600 wh battery

This is a piece of news that largely went unnoticed, but I think is great. Yamaha, the progenitors of the “zero-cadence” e-bike motor, have always had an excellent product. They beefed up their motors last year with the Yamaha PW-X and PW-SE systems. The only other place to go was to a bigger battery. Still no full downtube integration from the Yamaha systems, but I still think there is a large part of the market that doesn’t necessarily care that much about full battery integration. If it’s good enough for Sam Pilgrim, it’s probably good enough for you! My personal opinion on downtube battery integration is that while it does look very cool, it will start to matter a lot less as electric bikes become a bigger part of the zeitgeist. Well done, Yamaha for sticking to what has worked.

Bosch Kiox Display

It was a relatively quiet year from Bosch at Eurobike, but they did offer us one neat new piece of tech. The Bosch Kiox is their most appealing and low-profile display yet. My one concern with reporting on this display is whether or not it will be available in the states considering Bosch’s history with the Nyon display and the year lag time in bringing the intube batteries stateside.

That said, the display is beautifully integrated, centered on the handlebars. It comes with gorilla glass, so any scratching issues with the old plastic screens should be a thing of the past. It also has a plethora of information available and many way for you to choose how to see it. You operate the display with a new and more ergonomic thumbpad. But will this display be available in the states? Ike and Megan?

Ike and Megan’s take:

“Bosch is always at the head of the game with innovation, safety, and user experience being at the for front of what they produce. Although Bosch didn’t come out with any new motors this year, they did however release some new tech that will no doubt be received well. The Kiox is definitely coming to the U.S. and one of my favorite innovations to this new display, especially when it comes to mountain biking is that it’s magnetic. This will allow it to disconnect in the event of a fall and be less likely to break. That said, the intuvia and purion will still be available and it will be up to the manufacturer to decide which display they want use on their models.

You also might have heard of Bosch’s Anti-lock Braking System for Bosch ebikes. Super interesting development but it looks like it’s going to be a number of years before this innovation hits the U.S. market. So cool, but not relevant info to consider when looking at a purchase.”

]]>Best Electric Bikes with the Bosch Intube Batteryhttp://sandiegoflyrides.com/best-electric-bikes-with-the-bosch-intube-battery/
Sat, 17 Mar 2018 23:55:45 +0000http://sandiegoflyrides.com/?p=984The Bosch Intube battery is finally available in the United States! Electric bike enthusiasts have been waiting on this development basically since completely integrated batteries have been a thing. Read on to check out the best electric bikes with the Bosch Intube battery. It has been a rather long road to get Bosch Intube batteries approved in the States. It ...

]]>The Bosch Intube battery is finally available in the United States! Electric bike enthusiasts have been waiting on this development basically since completely integrated batteries have been a thing. Read on to check out the best electric bikes with the Bosch Intube battery.

It has been a rather long road to get Bosch Intube batteries approved in the States. It was very important to Bosch that they had UL certification before bringing the batteries to the mass market. Now that they’ve been approved, these bikes are expected to have limited quantities initially, so ,if you want one, grab it quick! Bosch has always been a top of the line motor, and now they have created a battery to rival the integration of Brose electric bikes. You’ll now get the power and reliability of a Bosch motor, but with the sleek downtube of a traditional bicycle.

I’m starting with a Riese & Muller Bosch intube bike because they are definitely the most versatile of the bunch. There are options for a mountain touring ebike (see the Supercharger Mountain) and also options for a geared hub making this line one of the most tech heavy bikes available. And, of course, Riese & Muller has continued to offer a dual battery option for riders looking to ride for at least 150 miles.

I love the GT Touring HS model specifically because of its real cycling feel and its incredible comfort. A Suntour Aion fork and a Cane Creek Thudbuster suspension seatpost provide a full suspension feel. Plus sized Schwalbe Moto-X tires provide extra cushion when riding over bumpy terrain. I also like that Riese & Muller have kept the integrity of the front triangle. You can see that the batteries load on the outside of the triangle so that you’ve got room for water bottle cages on the inner part of the triangle.

Probably the most anticipated of the Bosch Intube bikes, the Haibike XDURO AllMtn 9.0 takes the always popular AllMtn line and amps it up a couple levels. The AllMtn line is a lot slacker in terms of the build this year, which is great for riders who want to ride a little more aggressively. The Intube battery improves the center of gravity so that riding feels even more like traditional mountain biking on the downhills. Another cool feature on the Haibike’s with Bosch’s intube battery is the Modular Rail System. This is allows riders to put bottle cages, frame bags, or pumps anywhere on the downtube.

Serious e-MTB riders will love the downhill capability of this bike, but it is also suited to intermediate and beginning riders who want a spec-heavy bike for fire roads and single-track trails. Check out the Fox 34 Elite suspension, Magic Mary tires, and Mavic wheelset for clues as to why this will be a top choice electric bike in 2018.

On the other hand, you could go with the Bulls high-end option with the Six50 EVO AM 4. In my opinion, this is the best eMTB available this year with a Bosch motor. I love that Bulls has set you up Fox Factory fork with Kashima coating. That fork also comes with 36 mm stanchions whereas many of the other eMTBs come with 34mm. There is pretty much no expense spared in terms of components. KS-Lev dropper seatpost, Magic Mary tires, DT Swiss wheelset, and of course the Bosch Performance CX motor with the new intube battery make this a solid option for those riders looking for some high-end action.

If you’re looking for less of a trail rider and more something that is going to get you from point A to point B, check out the SDURO Trekking 9.0. This would be a great option for commuters and those interested in bike touring. All the components on this bike are top of the line. Haibike sets you up with a Shimano Deore XT drivetrain and brakes. It’s crucial to have top components for shifting and braking on a commuting bike. You also have a carrier that can hold up to 55 pounds of gear–another necessity.

In terms of the build, this ebike really is a complete commuter. The geometry keeps you upright. Haibike includes fenders and integrated lights. You also get Schwalbe Super Moto-X tires which are the top tire for street riding. There’s even a low-step option.

Another of the incredible hand-build options from Riese & Muller, the New Charger series are a sleek looking bunch with a wide variety of options. I chose the GT Nuvinci HS because I love 28 mph bikes and I think the Nuvinci hub gear is one of the best drivetrains on the market. There is no maintenance with this system. Ever. It also is one of the smoothest drivetrains available. There are not set speeds as it is a CVT. As with most hub gears, you also don’t have to pedaling when you shift.

There are loads of options within the New Charger family. They are all built with this same sleek design and are incredibly comfortable to ride. Check out the New Charger Mountain for a trail-ready bike. As with all Riese & Muller bikes, there are upgrades to please even the pickiest rider.

Summary

Of course, these are just a few of the options available with the new Bosch Intube battery. To check out a full lineup, go to the collection on our website. We do expect these bikes to sell very quickly initially, but they will probably become the norm long term. Be one of the first to snag these brand new eBikes!

]]>How to Choose the Right Electric Mountain Bikehttp://sandiegoflyrides.com/how-to-choose-the-right-electric-mountain-bike/
Fri, 09 Feb 2018 18:08:59 +0000http://sandiegoflyrides.com/?p=968There is no doubt that the market for electric mountain bikes is growing fast year over year, which brings in new component technologies and electric drive systems. The purpose of this article is to give you the necessary information to purchase a capable electric bike for trail and mountain cycling. There are several factors to keep in mind when choosing ...

There is no doubt that the market for electric mountain bikes is growing fast year over year, which brings in new component technologies and electric drive systems. The purpose of this article is to give you the necessary information to purchase a capable electric bike for trail and mountain cycling. There are several factors to keep in mind when choosing the right electric mountain bike. The most important factor is the terrain you’ll be riding. But first, let’s explore the ins and outs of an electric mountain bike.

What is an Electric Mountain Bike?

Simply put, an electric mountain bike is a mountain bike that is electrically assisted. Just like regular mountain biking (MTB) bicycles, electric mountain biking (eMTB) bikes typically have front fork suspension and advanced bikes also have rear suspension. eMTB bicycles are equipped with mid-drive, or center-drive, motors coupled to a power pack. Older eMTB models came with bulky hub motors. This is no longer a viable option as mid-drive motors are lighter and they lower the bicycle’s center of gravity, improving balance. Most eMTB bikes come with at least 400 watt-hour (Wh), 36Volt battery packs. eMTB bikes give you the option to turn off the motor when not needed and can be ridden like a normal mountain bike if preferred, albeit with the added weight of a lithium-ion battery and motor. Most eMTB bikes have the same components as their non-electric counterparts but many reputable brands, like SRAM and Shimano, are starting to manufacture e-bike specific components.

Electric Bike Motor Systems

If you’re coming from the MTB world, then all you really need to learn are the different motor systems to match the type of riding you will be doing. Before diving into brands, you need to know about the different types and classes of eMTB motors.

Hub vs Mid-drive Motors

There are two main types of motors available for electric bikes, but one stands out on top for eMTB bikes. Hub motors were the first bike motors on the market, but mid-drive motors are now the best and safest motors for eMTB.

The Hub motor, or wheel-motor, is a motor that the tire, rim and spokes are attached to and is usually the rear wheel. Due to its uneven weight distribution towards the rear of the bike, hub motors are not ideal for eMTB. They are also known for overheating when used during long climbs.

Class 1

You will most likely search for Class 1 eMTB bikes as they are the most common class on the market. This includes motors that do not exceed 750 watts (1.01hp) and reach a top speed of 20 mph. They also do not have a throttle and require pedaling to engage the motor, regardless of motor type. These are commonly referred to as pedalec bikes.

Class 2

Class 2 e-bikes are throttled bikes and the motor can exceed 750 watts. Most Class 2 e-bikes have hub motors and the maximum speed is speed 20 mph. Due to higher wattage that can lead to overheating throttled hub motors, Class 2 bikes are not allowed on most trails.

Class 3

Class 3 e-bikes are any bike that assists the rider up to 28 mph. In many states, like California, you are required by law to wear a helmet. You are also forbidden to ride on Class 1 trails. Several manufacturers make full-suspension Class 3 e-bikes, but these are typically suited for commuters who encounter rough terrain on the way to work.

Motor Brands

For the purpose of eMTB, we will focus on the top 4 mid-drive motor brands available in the United States.

Bosch

Bosch offers the widest range of mid-drive motors with 5 useful variants. The best model for eMTB is the Bosch Performance CX motor, which offers 75Nm of torque over a sustained power curve. Bosch motors offer 4 power modes: ECO, TOUR, eMTB and TURBO. The Bosch Performance CX motor takes you up to 20mph and offers shift detection, letting you know when to shift to a higher or lower gear with clear arrow indicators on the display screen. The eMTB mode allows you to better climb slippery and loose terrain without worrying that the motor will make the rear wheel slip. The Bosch Performance CX motor is arguably the most well-rounded motor suitable for climbing steep terrain to riding gravel fire trails.

Brose

Another German mid-drive motor maker, Brose, offers the quietest mid-drive motor on the market. It is a belt-driven system, which contributes to its whisper-quiet drive and offers 90Nm of torque. This motor also offers 4 power modes indicated by 1 to 4 square lights on the display. The Brose 250W motor can assist riders up to 20mph. It’s only drawback is that at higher speeds, the power curve tends to flatten out. Due to its placement on the bike, Brose motorized bikes come with typical size chainrings and can accomodate two chainrings for greater gear ratios. Brose motors are great for riders who have a higher cadence.

Shimano

Shimano is arguably the biggest bicycle components maker in the world and it is no surprise that they offer a mid-drive motor. The new Shimano STEPS MTB also known as the Shimano STEPs E8000 is a compact system, which allows for eMTB bike manufacturers to put smaller chainstays for lower center of gravity, giving the rider the experience of a typical mountain bike. Contrary to the other systems, the STEPS MTB system only has three power modes: ECO, TRAIL and BOOST. Although it offers the lowest torque motor on the market, it is also the lightest. Like the Brose motor, it allows for multiple chainrings for wider gear ratios. Shimano motors are great for cyclists who want a bike that resembles a regular MTB bike in regards to geometry.

Yamaha

Yamaha has three eBike motors on the market, but the new PW-X motor is best suitable for mountain biking over their older Yamaha PW motor. Lighter and quicker to respond over the PW motor, the PW-X system offers 5 color-coded support modes: +ECO, ECO, STD, HIGH, and EXPW. EXPW is Extra Power mode and unleashes 80Nm of torque when you need it on those long, steep hills. Also like the Shimano and Brose motors, you can equip your eMTB bike with multiple chainrings. The new Yamaha motor is ideal for the techie who wants to track stats via bluetooth connectivity.

Batteries

Most e-bike motors come with a battery that is installed on top of the bottom tube. However, more eMTB mid-drive motor manufacturers are releasing in-tube batteries, which lower the center of gravity and give the bike a sleeker look. In 2018, look out for Bosch’s PowerTube battery, Brose’s down-tube battery pack, and Shimano’s STEPS integrated battery. Don’t care for the battery placement? Then look for a Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) power pack that comes with at least 500 watt-hours. Some manufacturers, like Brose, offer single battery packs with 650Wh and other brands, like Bosch, offer dual-battery packs that combined will give you 1000Wh!

Where Are You Riding?

If you’re new to mountain biking in general, then you must first figure out the terrain you will be riding. Your terrain will dictate whether you need bigger wheels or wider tires, fork suspension only or a full-suspension rig. The following section will help you figure out the type of bike you need for the terrain you will be riding.

Gravel Roads & Trail Riding

Forks

For hilly trails and winding gravel roads, you will need a front suspension fork to absorb the bumpy terrain. Although a rear-suspension eMTB bike can perform well on gravel backroads, they are not truly necessary. Look for fork suspension with at least 120mm of travel made by these trustworthy manufacturers: SR Suntour, RockShox, or FOX. SR Suntour forks are typically entry level forks that will save you money on the entire bike where RockShox and FOX offer top-of-the-line suspension. For fire roads and gravel trails, the SR Suntour XCT, RockShox Yari, and the FOX 32 Float are more than capable to give you a more enjoyable ride.

Tires

Tires are arguably the most important part of the bike as it connects you to the ground. On rolling hills and gravel roads, you don’t necessarily need to go with an ultra aggressive tread or mega wide tire. 29 inch or 27.5 inch wheels are great for trails as they typically have better angle-of-attack. This means that the larger the wheel, the smaller the angle is needed to go over an obstacle, like a rock or tree root, which makes you go faster over rough terrain. With regular MTB bikes, 29ers have slower acceleration due to the larger size, but with eMTB bikes, 29ers are ideal for trail riding and gravel roads. The width of the tire depends on the climate. If you are in bad terrain with lots of rain, going to a 27.5+ size tire – anything larger than 2.8 inches – may be something to consider. Hard-packed dry trails don’t require ultra knobby wide tires where wet, snowy terrain will require knobby wide tires.

You will also have the option between using a tube or going tubeless. All bikes come with tubes initially, but higher-end eMTB bikes will come with tubeless-ready rims and tires and are easy to convert to a tubeless system. If you’re up to changing the occasional tube on the trail, then sticking to the original tube system is great for the occasional rider. For serious riders, going tubeless and adding a sealant to your wheels will give you peace of mind on the trails, knowing that the sealant will clog up holes you can get from goatheads and nasty thorns.

One of our recent customers, Michelle S., rides a BULLS Six50 E 1.5 rigid frame with a 120mm travel SR Suntour fork suspension because that’s all she needs to ride fire trails around Puddingstone Reservoir in southern California. She uses the Class 1 Bosch Performance CX motor when climbing and the bike is equipped with wider 27.5 x 2.6 inch tires to keep her firmly on the ground when descending gravel trails.

Single-track Trail Riding

Single-track trail riding is defined as a one-way road that cannot be accessed by road vehicles and is narrower than fire roads and gravel backroads. Single-track trails are usually part of a large network of trails in the park, are usually 6 inches to a foot wide, and they offer rougher terrain, like roots, tabletops and rock gardens. They are a lot more windy and allow for a faster flow on the descent.

Suspension & Tires

As we mentioned above, fork suspension and tires will play a big role in the comfort and safety of riding single-track trails. For single-track riding, we suggest at least 150mm of fork and rear suspension and 27.5 inch tires with a width of at least 2.35 inches. The wider the tire, the lower the pressure you can use so you can grip the ground better at higher speeds. 27.5+ tires are ideal for single-track eMTB bikes as they offer the best grip for a wider range terrain.

Rear suspension is highly recommended for single-track as it would help absorb the bigger bumps and jumps on the road, making you less fatigued throughout your ride. Most eMTB bikes come with multi-pivot linkages that help the rear wheel stay planted to the ground, however, single-pivot link rear suspension eMTB bikes are less expensive and you don’t have to worry about maintaining multiple bearings at each pivot point.

Dropper Seatposts

Consider getting a bicycle equipped with a dropper seatpost so that you can lower your saddle on the fly. What’s a dropper seatpost? A dropper seatpost is a seatpost that can be lowered and raised by a remote on your handlebar. It helps the rider lower their saddle and get it out of the way when descending steep terrain. It helps you lower your center of gravity to prevent going over the handlebar when descending uneven and steep trails. We recommend seatposts with at least 120mm of travel from these manufacturers: KS, RockShox or RaceFace. The KS Lev, RockShox Reverb and RaceFace Turbine are our favorites.

John B., our first Haibike Xduro AllMtn RX customer, purchased an eMTB bike for single-track riding because he was experiencing knee pain when climbing with his older MTB bike. John purchased a full-suspension trail bike to continue doing what he loves to do, spending time with his wife outdoors. The Haibike AllMtn RX has FOX suspension, 150mm of travel for both fork and rear-suspension, a KS Lev dropper seatpost, and knobby 27.5 inch tires. This bike is more than capable to tackle narrow bumpy roads and powerful enough to get you up and over the next obstacle.

Long-distance Trail Riding

Long-distance eMTB bikes are capable of taking you over 50 miles on a single charge, and some bikes can take you over 100 miles! For long-distance trail bikes, look for a system that offers over 500Wh of battery, like the dual-battery system of Bosch that offers two 500Wh PowerPacks. Brose offers a 650 battery pack that can easily take you over 50 miles on a single charge at optimal conditions. Suspension for long-distance riding is great to prevent soreness and fatigue during those long rides. 150mm of travel is plenty of suspension for the long haul.

Michael H. purchased a Riese & Mϋller Delite Mountain Rohloff with DualBattery so he can cover more distance during his trips through Moab. This eMTB bike comes with a FOX Float 34 Performance Boost fork, 150mm of travel for both fork and single-pivot rear suspension, wide and knobby 27.5 inch tires, and 1000Wh of power. It helps Michael cover 100 miles of the beautiful Moab trails in two days without needing to bring a power source with him to his campsite.

Downhill Riding

For downhill specific riding, suspension and brakes are critical for a fun and safe ride. We recommend at least 180mm of fork and rear suspension for downhill riding. You will be carrying extra weight and hit higher speeds, so more suspension will help you feel more confident behind the handlebars.

Brakes

Brakes are critical for all bikes, but especially for downhill riding. Most eMTB bikes come equipped with SRAM, Shimano or Magura hydraulic brakes with 180mm disc rotors. Most will be double piston brakes, but we recommend 4-piston caliper brakes with 203mm rotors for better stopping power. We recommend SRAM Code, Shimano Saint, or Magura MT7 4-piston brake systems for downhill riders.

Mario C. needed a fully capable bike to take down some gnarly terrain. The Haibike Xduro DwnHll 10.5 was his pick and this shred sled is capable of tackling any and all rough terrain, from sharp rocks to loose roots. With 200mm of travel on his FOX 40 Float Factory fork and FOX Float X2 Factory rear suspension, powerful Shimano Saint brakes and a low center of gravity Bosch mid-drive system, the Haibike DwnHll 10.5 gives Mario the confidence to descent quickly and safely.

When it comes to choosing an eMTB bike, like with most things, you get what you pay for. Lower-end models are typically set up for flatter terrain and are not tubeless-ready while mid-level to higher-end models have dropper seatposts installed, longer suspension travel and are tubeless-ready. Ultimately, you need to get a bike that is set up for the terrain you will ride the most. A short-travel full-suspension eMTB bike is capable of tackling gravel trails and long, rough terrain rides, but you will probably go a lot slower when descending than a longer suspension rig. Electric power systems will vary, but most mid-drive motors offer 250W of power and are coupled with at least a single 500Wh battery. Whether you decide on Bosch or Yamaha, Brose or Shimano, an eMTB-specific motor will bring you joy during the long climbs. You will be able to travel further and explore areas you’ve never been to!

If you’re here locally in SoCal, we’d recommend booking a performance eMTB rental and getting out on trails to see what it’s all about. If you end up purchasing from Fly Rides, we’ll be happy to credit the cost of the rental towards your purchase.

We know it can be hard to nail down which bike to go with, so don’t hesitate to reach out to Fly Rides with any questions. Everyone on the Fly Rides team is hooked on the riding eMTB’s and we love sharing the lifestyle with our customers.

]]>Top 10 Electric Mountain Bikes for 2018http://sandiegoflyrides.com/top-10-electric-mountain-bikes-2018/
Sun, 04 Feb 2018 23:55:40 +0000http://sandiegoflyrides.com/?p=950Alright guys and gals, it’s 2018 and there are more choices for electric mountain bikes than ever before. Nearly every major brand has significantly expanded their lineups. This means that you’ll get better bikes at better price points. Still not sure if you should upgrade to an electric mountain bike? It’s the 21st century people! As the crew at Bulls ...

]]>Alright guys and gals, it’s 2018 and there are more choices for electric mountain bikes than ever before. Nearly every major brand has significantly expanded their lineups. This means that you’ll get better bikes at better price points. Still not sure if you should upgrade to an electric mountain bike? It’s the 21st century people! As the crew at Bulls says, “it’s not cheating, it’s just more fun.” The point of these bikes is not ruin other people’s fun by going at unsafe speeds, it’s to make your ride easier and your day last longer! Check out our top 10 electric mountain bikes for 2018 to see which bikes will get you out on the trails for thousands of miles.

I’ve got to start out with Interbike’s winner of the innovation award for electric bikes. The Haibike XDURO AllMtn 8.0 is truly a great e-MTB. This year, Haibike built their AllMtn line a little more slack, so it is even more versatile than last year’s models. Mainly this means that it has increased downhill capability.

On the 8.0 specifically, Haibike sets you up with the brand new Yamaha PW-X motor. This motor comes standard with a 500 watt hour battery, Bluetooth connectivity, and 80 nm of torque out the gate. The PW-X also boasts the benefit of a dual chainring up front. This means you’ll save some battery if you’re willing to work a little harder and use those gears! Speaking of gears, you’ll get a Shimano Deore XT drivetrain. Pair that with Fox 34 Float Performance front suspension and a Fox Float DPS rear shock (150mm travel) and you’ve got a fully-capable, all-around ride.

Check out my video review below and my full review here. Current pricing listed at this link.

While we’re on this thread, I want to go ahead and throw in the most tricked-out shred sled in the AllMtn line. Haibike spared no expense wit the XDURO AllMtn 10.0. It’s a premium bike, and here is why. A Fox Factory 34 front suspension fork with 150mm of travel and Kashima coating starts things off. That’s followed by a 20-speed drivetrain brought to you by Shimano Deore XT Shadow Plus. Then you’ve got DT Swiss rims, KS LEV-DX dropper seatpost, Magura MT7 HD brakes, and a Yamaha PW-X motor. ‘Nuff. Said.

Another really cool feature on this bike is the Haibike eConnect system. I’m not sure why, but they only seem to be offering it on the 10.0. It has been available in Europe for awhile, so I imagine we’ll see an upgrade for the other Haibikes sometime this year. eConnect offers riders a way to prevent theft on their bikes, track rides, and alert an emergency contact if it detects a crash.

Time to give some love to my dudes and dudettes over at Bulls bikes. The Bulls E-Stream Evo AM 4 27.5+ (phew, out of breath after saying that one) is an incredible electric bike for the price point. I was going to put the step down from this bike on the list, (2018 Bulls E-Stream Evo AM 3 27.5+) but I realized that this bike is only $400 dollars more. The upgrades you get for that 400 bucks are pretty remarkable.

First of all, you’ll get a RockShox Lyrik RC Boost solo fork with 150mm of travel. You don’t find this fork on many electric mountain bikes at this price point. The new Brose Drive S motor is also featured on this bike. This is great for e-MTBs because it has 5 nm more torque than last year’s Brose bikes. You’ll also get a top-of-the-line derailleur with a Shimano Deore XT 11-speed drivetrain.

I was able to ride this bike at Interbike, and it impressed me. I previously preferred Haibike’s FullSeven line to the E-stream bikes, but I think this year’s models will give a Haibike a good run for their money. Check out current pricing on this bike here.

The Haibike AllMtn line makes an appearance again with this incredible price-point option. The AllMtn 6.0 is a nice option with entry level components but the same aggressive build as the rest of the AllMtn line. And when I say entry level components, I definitely don’t mean that as a negative. You still get 150mm of travel with a Suntour Aion 35 RC suspension fork, a RockShox Deluxe RT rear shock, Magura MT32 hydraulic disc brakes, and Shimano Deore M6000 drivetrain with 20-speeds.

The other reason this one makes the list is thanks to the Yamaha PW-X motor that comes standard. I’ve spoken to the amazing quality of this motor in this post and previously in other posts, but I’d like to reiterate that Yamaha has taken huge strides with the PW-X upgrade. This motor puts them right on par with Bosch and other top e-bike motors.

The LT or long travel line that Haibike is one of the most interesting developments in electric mountain biking in quite some time. I’ve chosen the FullSeven LT 4.0 because I wanted to show you another quality, low-cost option. The FullSeven line is built a little less aggressively than the AllMtn series, but still functions as a great all-around mountain bike for those riders who want to hit fire roads, and maybe the occasional single-track trail. The coolest thing about the LT line is that it costs exactly the same as the standard FullSeven line that comes with 120mm of travel. You can upgrade to 150mm on any FullSeven bike for no extra cost.

A Yamaha PW-SE motor powers this bike. The PW-SE is a slight upgrade from the PW system, offering slightly more torque and new Bluetooth functionality for connection with activity trackers and apps.

Definitely not a downhill option, but still great for mountain camping, fire roads, loose and packed dirt, and trail commuting, the R&M Delite Mountain definitely makes the list. This is a mountain bike version of the very popular full-suspension commuters offered by Riese & Muller. The main reason that this bike makes the list is thanks to it’s 1000 watt hour battery potential with a dual battery system.

R&M also provides only top-of-the-line components. You’ll get a Shimano Deore XT Shadow+ 11-speed drivetrain, Shimano Deore XT brakes, and a Fox Float 34 Performance Boost suspension fork with 120mm of travel. You can even upgrade to a 14-speed Rohloff drivetrain. If you’re using it for camping, you can include a rear rack to carry up to 60 pounds of gear along with you.

Super stoked on this baddie. The 2018 Bulls Six50 Evo Am 4 leads the fleet of full suspension mountain bikes that Bulls is offering with the new Bosch PowerTube. The other models (the 2018 Bulls Six50 Evo AM 3 and Bulls Six50 Evo AM 2) are slight steps down, but still excellent options.

On the AM 4 you get 150mm of travel via a Fox Factory 36 Float fork, 11-speeds from a Shimano Deore XT drivetrain, and Magura MT-Trail hydraulic disc brakes. They also don’t gip you on the dropper with a wonderful, wonderful KS Lev. In terms of geometry, the build is pretty dope. It’s a nice slack feel, so you can do some solid downhills. A DT Swiss wheelset along with Magic Mary tires give you a lightweight and smooth ride.

We’ve only gotten to try these at Interbike since the PowerTube hasn’t been approved for sale in the States yet, but when that happens, I’m sure these bikes are going to be gone quickly. See how you can preorder one here.

We’ve got to give you a Haibike downhill option considering their excellent history with downhill and enduro models. Downhill models are traditionally incredibly expensive, but the DwnHll 9.0 offers a slightly lower price point for a top mountain bike. The build is incredibly slack so you can rip downhill in ideal positioning. The PW-X motor makes climbing much more enjoyable as well.

Top specs on this bike: RockShox Boxxer RC suspension fork with 200mm of travel, Magura MT5 hydraulic disc brakes, and Shimano ZEE M640 10-speed drivetrain. This model also features a better-integrated display so that riders don’t need to worry about shearing it off during a fall or drop.

The final appearance of both the FullSeven and the Yamaha PW-X on the countdown. This top notch 27.5″ wheeled shred sled is another perfect fire road rider for the intermediate rider looking to step their game up. One thing I didn’t mention before but I wanted to let you all know is that I think the FullSeven geometry this year allows the bikes to be more accessible to riders of all sizes. Traditionally, most companies offer one or two options for female riders. Haibike does offer the FullLife models, but the FullSeven series by and large offers better components and a very similar geometry. I think that’s great.

Anyway, soap box over. You get 20-speeds from a Shimano Deore XT M786 Shadow+ drivetrain, 120mm of travel with a RockShox Revelation RC fork with lockout, and up to 20 mph of assistance.

Certainly very excited about this e-MTB. Bulls has decided to make use of the super powerful Shimano Steps E8000 motor. With a 500 wH battery and a 250 watt motor, this bike will assist you up incredibly steep hills but not burn too much of the battery. Bulls also sets this bike apart by setting it up with Shimano Di2 electronic shifting and a Deore XT drivetrain for precise and quick shifting. The other specs are about what you’d expect from a ride in this price range. Magura MT5 hydraulic disc brakes, RockShox suspension with 150mm of travel, and Rocket Ron tires on tubeless ready rims let you take on any mountain trails.

This is an incredibly spec-ed out all around e-MTB for any rider. Grab this bike if you’re looking for one of the most powerful and tech heavy bikes on the market.

Top 10 Electric Mountain Bikes for 2018

Those are our choices for the top eMTBs this year. There are loads of great options as battery life continues to improve and motors provide more assistance than ever before. Electric bikes are primed to move heavily this year. It’s the only bike market that continues to grow every year. The more units that sell, the better the bikes become. That’s great for consumers and the bike community in general!

]]>Top 10 Electric Bikes For Commuting in 2018http://sandiegoflyrides.com/top-10-electric-bikes-for-commuting-in-2018/
Mon, 08 Jan 2018 01:16:45 +0000http://sandiegoflyrides.com/?p=931Fly Rides is back with the top 10 electric for commuting in 2018! Why top ten instead of eight? Because there are too many good choices this year! Electric commuting bikes are primed for more popularity this year than ever. With major cities across the country improving their biking infrastructure (finally), and electric bikes now having the capability to take you ...

]]>Fly Rides is back with the top 10 electric for commuting in 2018! Why top ten instead of eight? Because there are too many good choices this year! Electric commuting bikes are primed for more popularity this year than ever. With major cities across the country improving their biking infrastructure (finally), and electric bikes now having the capability to take you 60 miles and further, commuting by ebike grows all the time. Let us help you figure out the best option for your commute with our blog on the top 10 electric bikes for commuting in 2018! Read on for our full list.

But first: Reasons to commute by electric bike

Save time, money, and miles on your car

Shove it in your friends’ faces about how environmentally conscious you are

Riese & Muller’s Nevo line definitely tops my list for commuting electric bikes. These bikes are premium, custom made bikes for a reasonable, middle-of-the-road price. All Riese & Muller bikes are hand made in Germany exactly to your specifications. The Nevo line specifically is incredibly well balanced and keeps riders in a comfortable, upright position. Riders also get a suspension seatpost (either the Cane Creek Thudbuster or Satori Elegance LT), which is a nice compromise between the full suspension Homage line and a complete hardtail.

The Nuvinci hub system is the best geared hub that I have ever used. There is literally no maintenance to be done on this drivetrain. I’d recommend buying it with the Gates Carbon belt because you’ll never run into issues like the chain falling off. You operate the Nuvinci system with a grip shifter and can of course shift even when you’re not moving.

Everyone seems to know a lot about Haibike’s e-MTBs, but I think their commuting and touring bikes are just as good, if a little bit underrated by the e-bike community. Another bike with the Bosch speed motor, this bike is quick and powerful. I really like the spec upgrades on this bike from the Trekking speed model in 2017. You’ve got Magura MT4 hydraulic disc brakes, a Shimano Deore XT M8000 Shadow Plus drivetrain, and the headlight and taillight run off a dynamo.

The thing that really is impressive about this bike is the price point for what you are getting. Apart from the Suntour fork (which is still pretty good) and maybe the rims, all of these components top of the line. You’re getting a pretty tech heavy bike for under four thousand. It also comes in a low step!

This bike impressed me right when I saw it. I love that Haibike offers spec-heavy options with the Yamaha PW system. I think the PW system gets a bad rep sometimes for being less powerful than the Bosch, but to be totally honest not everybody needs the power of a Bosch system. Haibike makes up for the lower torque of the PW system by offering a premium Shimano Deore XT drivetrain with 20 speeds. This is great for riders who want to stay in the action a bit more, but still not arrive sweaty and out of breath.

This is another commuter with an honestly insane price point. Like its XDURO brother above, you’re getting dynamo lights, Suntour fork, and all the specs listed above. It also comes with the upgraded 500 watt hour battery to keep it pretty well matched with it’s Bosch affiliate.

If you’re looking for a premium option, this might be the bike for you. I’ve got to say that I don’t think there is a more comfortable commuter than this. Full suspension, upright positioning, and plus sized tires keep things nice and smooth. But the real reason this beast makes the list is the dual battery. Love it. The other day I realized we only had about 10% of the battery left in the charge. It was going out for a test ride, and I was like “dang gotta charge it” but then I was like “lol no I don’t 10% means there is like 15 miles left, BOOYAKASHA!”

Spec-wise, this thing is tricked out. You’ve got the option to go with Suntour AION suspension or Fox Float suspension. The drivetrain is Shimano Deore XT. Same with the hydraulic disc brakes. The bike also comes with an ABUS Big Bordo folding lock that is keyed for both the batteries and the lock. Super convenient. There’s also loads of other options within the Delite line. Nuvinci and Rohloff drivetrains, 20mph and 28mph motors, standard and plus tires. You get the idea. Lot to choose from.

A classic. IZIP has been making a version of this bike for years now. This years model comes in a low step option as well!

See? Told you

The Dash is an excellent, low-cost option for those looking for an intro to e-bikes kind of ride. The TranzX motor will take you up to 28mph for about 16-35 miles per charge–more if you’re conservative with the assist. The components aren’t too shabby either. Shimano M365 hydraulic disc brakes keep you safe, the Shimano Deore SGS drivetrain, and RockShox Paragon fork with 65mm of travel make it a great entry level option.

I’ve also found that IZIP is pretty conservative with their mileage estimations, so you can likely take this thing further than listed. For the price point, this is a great option.

Have to give a shout out to a Bulls Brose option. They were the first manufacturers I saw integrate the battery into the frame really well, and they’ve continued to improve upon that design. As I mentioned above, I love the wave frame. Super easy to get on and off and it’s got a cool look as well. If you’re not a fan, this bike does come in both a Diamond and step-thru frame.

The Brose motor is definitely the most quiet ebike motor that I’ve used. The 28mph model is no different. I also find it to be pretty solid in terms of power. Generally speaking, Bosch motors are considered the most powerful, but with the Brose I actually think you get a lot of power with a more “real” feeling cycling experience. They also give you a 675 watt hour battery pack, which is still unrivaled in terms of a single battery system.

Look at Bulls giving you options! Very similar bike, but with the Bosch Performance Speed motor. Why did I include if it’s so similar? Because I think Bulls has build super interesting commuters. They set you up with a adjustable stem so you can literally be as upright as you want, if you’re a posture freak. Underrated part of this bike: water bottle boss placement. Call me crazy, but it’s little touches like these that tip the scales on commuting bikes for me. It isn’t always easy to find places to put cages on e-bikes.

This bike also does come in a diamond frame and step-thru, like its Brose cousin above.

Guys, I just absolutely love this bike. I try as much as possible not to play favorites…oh wait this is a top ten list, so I totally can. This is my personal favorite commuting electric bike, and it’s only partially because it looks just like my fixie that I used to ride around San Diego when I was a hipster.

In terms of design, the attention to detail is just exquisite. The extra long fenders ensure you’re not going to get wet going through puddles. The cafe lock is hidden well enough to not ruin the look. I do kind of wish that the battery and fork could be that lovely green color, but we can’t have it all folks. For you green haters, it does come in white and black too. There’s also an option for this cute little front carrier if you want to put a bouquet and a baguette in it.

Of course the specs are nuts. Shimano Deore XT Shadow+ drivetrain, Magura MT4 hydraulic disc brakes, Mach 1 rims, and Schwalbe G-One tires make this not only an incredible commuter, but really a solid racing bike if you want to challenge another ebiker. The G-One tires I just love. They’re slick enough to keep you up to speed, but have a good amount of knobiness so that you can handle bad weather.

I think this is a super interesting bike. I like seeing IZIP stepping into the world of Brose motors. Brose bikes always look clean and refined because of the battery integration. This bike is a pretty great value for what you get. Totally integrated lights, rear rack, fenders, and plus sized tires are all great to have. I wish it had a dual chainring in the front, but you can always add one on a Brose motor.

I picked this bike because it’s definitely one of the lowest cost 28mph bikes out there that is still high quality. Magura MT4 hydraulic disc brakes keep you good and safe. The geometry provides a comfortable ride. Personally, I don’t always think a suspension fork is totally necessary since they are less efficient. If you’ve got a pretty smooth road to ride this is a great option.

Hear me out! I know this isn’t totally set up for commuting right out the gate, but the price point is bonkers. You get a suspension fork with lockout, hydraulic disc brakes, 20 mph, and a bike that will let you ride for at least 60 miles for $2399. Put a $40 rack and some lights on this puppy and you’ve got yourself a fully functional commuter.

The Cross line is also extremely well built. They’re like cyclocross bikes with motors. Super comfortable all day, but very fast thanks to thing slick tires. This would also be a great ride for commuters who want to take their bike on some trails for a shortcut.

Hightlights: 20mph, Yamaha PW System, Bangin’ Price Point

MSRP: $2399

Summary

There are loads of incredible options in 2018. These are the ten I truly believe that riders will enjoy the most for years to come. Keep in mind that electric bikes are the only bike market that is still growing! There is going to be more and more interest in these in the coming years which is going to drive up the value of your bike if you invest early.

Let us know what you think of our top 10 electric bikes for commuting in 2018 in the comments below! Cheers!

]]>2018 Haibike SDURO FullSeven 10.0 Reviewhttp://sandiegoflyrides.com/2018-haibike-sduro-fullseven-10-0-review/
Tue, 28 Nov 2017 00:09:08 +0000http://sandiegoflyrides.com/?p=918‘Tis the season for brand new bikes! The first round of 2018 Haibikes will roll out in less than a month, and at Fly Rides we had the good luck of trying out some of the models early. The 2018 Haibike SDURO FullSeven 10.0 was one of those bikes. I was particularly fond of this bike. Read on for our 2018 ...

New year, new motor.

The Yamaha PW-X system is one of the things that sets this bike apart. Using this motor makes me glad that Haibike has stuck by Yamaha these past years. The PW-X is a serious upgrade from the PW system. Coming in at a true 80 nm of torque and 500 watt hours, this is a Yamaha motor to finally match the Bosch system.

The ride on a Yamaha PW-X system is incredibly smooth and powerful. In terms of raw power, I think it might be the most impressive on the market right now. There is no jerkiness, and it powered me up a 15% grade easily in the second level of assist. Of course, you’re still getting the zero-cadence features that Yamaha perfected years ago. I also love the display on the PW-X bikes. It’s concise but informative. I feel like it gives you the perfect amount of information. Yamaha also continues to offer a dual chainring up front, which I think is a great selling point for riders new to electric bikes who want the ride to feel as similar to a traditional bike as possible.

120mm or 150mm of travel

Thanks to Haibike’s LT series of electric mountain bikes this year, customers can choose between the 120mm of travel standard on FullSeven bikes or an upgraded LT (long travel) option. This benefits riders who want the comfort of extra suspension, but maybe don’t need the hefty tires that come on an AllMtn series. The crazy part is, it’s the same price across the board to upgrade to LT.

The 2018 Haibike SDURO FullSeven 10.0 comes with a RockShox Revelation RC with lockout. I’d never ridden on a Revelation prior to trying this bike out, and I think it holds up to the Lyrik pretty well. The rear shock is the always reliable RockShox Deluxe RT.

On the FullSeven Series as a whole…

In my opinion, Haibike’s FullSeven series of electric bicycles is one of the best lines out there. I think they’re a great compromise between the more intense lines–like the AllMtn or DwnHll–and the lighter usage models like the Hardtail lines. Haibike has offered an incredible array of options, so that you can get a bike in the FullSeven series for as low as about $3K. That’s really remarkable for a full suspension electric mountain bike.

I like that Haibike has moved away from the FullNine series. In the end, a 29er just isn’t quite as versatile as the 27.5″ wheel. I think 29″ wheels definitely have their place in e-MTB, but I didn’t know if full suspension bikes were that place. Expanding the options available in the FullSeven series will open up electric mountain biking to completely new people. This is good for the sport, which in turn benefits everybody.

The Geometry of 2018 Haibike SDURO FullSeven 10.0

The Ride

As I mentioned above, we were able to demo a lot of the 2018 Haibikes when our local rep brought some by the shop. This bike is a definite looker, so I was immediately drawn to it. The DT Swiss wheels are a great touch for this top-of-the-line electric mountain bike. The geometry was just slack enough, and I didn’t feel like I was having to stretch to effectively operate anything in the cockpit or steer the bike.

I rode on mostly rolling fire roads mixed in with a bit of single track. It wasn’t anything super technical, but enough to work the suspension and grab a little bit of air. I felt completely safe on the bike. It was well balanced and handled well. I actually think that I could have gone on some more intense trails. As always, the Shimano Deore XT drivetrain performed well. I always knew this derailleur paired well with the Bosch, and the FullSeven 10.0 is definitely no different. I really enjoyed having the dual chainring in the front. It allowed me to keep the assist pretty low and work up the hills when I wanted to.

The RockShox 120mm of travel was fine for the types of trail I was riding. It’s great to have the option to increase that to 150mm based on the type of riding you will be doing. The Nobby Nic tires are excellent as always. They gripped loose dirt and rocks with no trouble, and the Magura disc brakes were appreciated as always.

Final Thoughts

The 2018 Haibike SDURO FullSeven 10.0 is a great option for riders looking to get into the electric mountain biking game on a more serious level. The LT option will get you going on some drops, and both are great for single track and fire roads alike.

You can check out this bike by following this link. It retails at $5499, and The FullSeven series has bikes as low as $3200. Check out the rest of our reviews on our blog and YouTube channel!

]]>2018 Haibike Xduro AllMtn 10.0 Reviewhttp://sandiegoflyrides.com/2018-haibike-xduro-allmtn-10-0-review/
Sun, 29 Oct 2017 23:31:13 +0000http://sandiegoflyrides.com/?p=903Every year there is one electric mountain bike that is the undisputed champion of high end sales. We always carry whatever bike it happens to be. Frequently it ends up being a Haibike. Never before has that bike been one with a Yamaha motor. I think all that is going to change this year with the Haibike Xduro AllMtn 10.0. ...

]]>Every year there is one electric mountain bike that is the undisputed champion of high end sales. We always carry whatever bike it happens to be. Frequently it ends up being a Haibike. Never before has that bike been one with a Yamaha motor. I think all that is going to change this year with the Haibike Xduro AllMtn 10.0. Yamaha brought their highly regarded PW-X system to the States this year. Riders in Europe have had the pleasure riding this incredible motor for a year, and I think American riders are going to love it too. Plus, this bike retails at only $6399. That’s about 600 bucks cheaper than a similar model last year. Those aren’t the only reasons I’m psyched for this bike. Read on for my 2018 Haibike Xduro AllMtn 10.0 review, or check out our video review if you’re pressed for time.

Ahead of the pack.

One of the features on this bike that has me very excited is the Haibike eConnect system. I’ve seen this feature on a few of the European models, but never on any we had in the shop. I haven’y used the app fully, but I’ll give you a breakdown of its features. The whole idea is to make your bike safer, better protected from would-be thieves, and more connected.

My favorite feature from the eConnect system is the crash detection. Say you’re riding along and you’re alone out in the boonies. You go down hard and fall unconscious. If you’re unable to respond to a notification on your smartphone, Haibike eConnect sends an alert to your chosen emergency contact with your location. Of course, you’ve also got anti-theft measures in place like GPS tracking to track your location should someone take your bike. You can also set up the app to alert you if someone moves the bike from any location.

Yamaha’s PW-X motor still offers a dual chainring up front as well. This sets it apart because it is definitely the most powerful motor on the market to offer this option. This is great for riders who want to keep the assist low and have plenty of assist to choose from.

When it comes to specs, only the best.

Usually to keep a top class electric bike reasonably priced there has to be compromises in the components. That is not the case with the 2018 Haibike Xduro AllMtn 10.0. Haibike has decided on a Shimano drivetrain for this electric mountain bike. You’re set up with a Deore XT M786 Shadow Plus derailleur offering a total of 20 speeds. DT Swiss HX wheels and Schwalbe Magic Mary tires will keep you rolling comfortably on any surface. You’ve also got Magura MT7 hydraulic disc brakes front and rear. Finally, Haibike has provided Fox front and rear suspension with a Fox Float 34 Performance fork and a DPX2 rear shock.

You can read a little bit more about the Yamaha PW-X motor in our Haibike Xduro AllMtn 8.0 review, but I’ll give you a quick rundown here as well. The 500 watt hour battery keeps you at the top of the market in terms of range. You’re also getting 80 nm of torque for solid hill climbing ability and acceleration out the gate.

How it rides.

This was another bike our Haibike rep brought to us for a trial run. Out of the three we got to ride, this was definitely my favorite. If you’ve ridden a bike with this type of components, it’s as quality of an experience as you would expect. The Fox suspension climbs well and is super responsive on technical downhills. Coming in at just under 50 pounds, this is bike is pretty average as electric bikes are concerned. You can still get some solid air if you want, and you never feel the weight.

I really love this Yamaha PW-X motor. I honestly did not think I’d find a motor I liked as much as the Bosch and Brose systems, but Yamaha has found a way into this hardened heart of mine. It pairs so well with the 20-speed drivetrain. I kept the motor in the second level of assist for the most part and no trouble on any incline. I really feel like I’d have no trouble riding this bike all day without a recharge. It’s got some serious battery range.

I’d recommend this bike for serious mountain bike riders who want to take their rides to the next level. You can take this ride on loose dirt, gravel, rock gardens, and on intermediate drops. In terms of the components, the Xduro AllMtn 10.0 should last you years. The PW-X motor has had proved success in Europe already, and Yamaha is a solid brand with a great reputation. You can check out how to buy this bike here. Have a look at the rest of our reviews on our blog.

]]>2018 Haibike XDURO AllMtn 8.0 Reviewhttp://sandiegoflyrides.com/2018-haibike-xduro-allmtn-8-0-review/
Sun, 29 Oct 2017 18:12:08 +0000http://sandiegoflyrides.com/?p=882Haibike has finally revealed their long-awaited lineup of 2018 electric bikes! When the new e-bikes come out, it’s like Christmas, our birthday, and winning the lottery wrapped into one at Fly Rides. Over the past few weeks, we’ve been lucky enough to have our local Haibike rep come out and show us some of this elite fleet of electric mountain ...

]]>Haibike has finally revealed their long-awaited lineup of 2018 electric bikes! When the new e-bikes come out, it’s like Christmas, our birthday, and winning the lottery wrapped into one at Fly Rides. Over the past few weeks, we’ve been lucky enough to have our local Haibike rep come out and show us some of this elite fleet of electric mountain bikes. From our experience I can definitely say that these are bikes to salivate over. For our first review, we decided we’d start with the 2018 Interbike Innovation award winning Haibike Xduro Allmtn 8.0.

Yamaha’s Newest Motor

If you follow our blog, you know all about the history of this company and what makes them so great. They are one of the forefathers of truly great electric bikes. They always strive for excellent quality and use only the highest end components, including their motors. Their 2018 line is no exception of course. This year, they’ve taken advantage of Yamaha’s newest electric bike motor: the PW-X Motor. The PW-X is a huge upgrade from it’s ancestor the PW motor. With the PW-X, Yamaha has decreased the size by over 10%, decreased the weight by one pound (which is huge considering the whole unit is less than ten already!), and increased the power so much that it barely is recognizable when compared to the PW. The PW-X offers support even at high cadences (up to 120 rpm), 80 nm of torque, and four different levels of assist.

Yamaha has improved on the responsiveness of the PW-X motor as well. There is no noticeable delay between when you start peddling and the activation of the motor. This is in large part thanks to the 80 nm of torque out the gate. Yamaha has continued to allow electric bikes to have a front dual chainring. This is great for mountain bikers who want to keep the assist low and work a bit harder on the inclines. More gears mean more options for riders. You can save battery with this dual chainring, but it isn’t necessary thanks to the range provided with the 500 watt hour battery.

The brand new PW-X Compact display

Full Specs

The 2018 AllMtn Series as a whole offers riders an all-around incredible mountain biking experience. All models come with 150mm travel, plus size tires, and dropper seatposts. Haibike has not skimped on the components here, especially on the AllMtn 8.0. Haibike has continued to partner with Magura, providing front and rear hydraulic disc brakes. You’ll get MT5s on this model. For suspension, Haibike provides a Fox 34 Float Performance fork and a Fox Float DPS Performance shock in the rear. Plus-sized Schwalbe Magic Mary tires provide some extra cushion and great traction even on the muddiest trails. Finally, a Shimano Deore XT drivetrain allows quick, intuitive shifting that pairs very well with the PW-X motor. See the geometry below:

The Ride

As expected, this bike rides great. We were lucky enough to have our Haibike rep bring some of the 2018 prototypes by our shop, and we could not be more stoked now. Riding the PW-X motor is completely game changing. I took this bike up a 13% incline in the second level of assist, and had no problem cruising up the hill. The dropper seatpost makes the downhills feel much safer. It also made me feel more comfortable to take on some tougher terrain.

If you’ve ridden on Fox suspension, I don’t have to tell you how great it is. The 150mm of travel was great for a very bumpy trail in Griffith Park, and felt sturdy enough to climb inclines without having to use the lockout feature. As I mentioned above, you really can get away with a pretty low level of assist on the PW-X motor and still not have to work too hard. This meant I never felt worried about battery life, and I also felt like a super strong beast. I tried a bit of loose dirt, and the Magic Mary tires held up great–no sliding or skidding unless I wanted it to.

Overall, I have to say that this bike is pretty incredible for the price point. It’s a brand new, top-of-the-line motor, with incredible components for $5000. A similar bike last year retailed for anywhere from $500-1000 more. You can check out how to purchase this bike here, or check out the full Haibike lineup on their site.

]]>Inboard M1 Electric Skateboard Reviewhttp://sandiegoflyrides.com/inboard-m1-electric-skateboard-review/
Fri, 27 Oct 2017 22:49:26 +0000http://sandiegoflyrides.com/?p=891Longboarding has always been a secondary love of mine when compared to cycling. I love cruising by the beach on a longboard, but taking it anywhere else always seems to be an issue. Whether you hit a huge incline or just have to stop and go a lot due to pedestrian traiffic, there are always a few issues with efficiency. ...

]]>Longboarding has always been a secondary love of mine when compared to cycling. I love cruising by the beach on a longboard, but taking it anywhere else always seems to be an issue. Whether you hit a huge incline or just have to stop and go a lot due to pedestrian traiffic, there are always a few issues with efficiency. Inboard has solved a lot of those problems with their new M1 Electric Skateboard. Fly Rides has tried out a few different electric skateboards over the last few months, and we’ve decided to review this one. It was a company favorite, and I’ll tell you why. Read on for our Inboard M1 Electric Skateboard review.

How it looks.

Out of the box, the first thing you notice about the M1 is how minimalist and clean it looks. It looks just like a regular longboard. This is unlike any other electric skateboard on the market. There are a few major build differences that Inboard utilizes to accomplish this look. Most importantly, Inboard has skipped the traditional belt drive motors for in-wheel motors. Aside from keeping the board looking cleaner, these allow for a much smoother ride (I’ll cover that more later).

Top and Bottom of Board

You can see from the picture that this board just looks like a longboard, which to me makes it that much more desirable. The other applaud-worthy feature on this bike is the completely integrated battery. If you look at the image on the left, you can just make out where the battery goes. Again, this integration is a first for electric longboards. The only clue that it is an electric board is when you hop on and ride it.

How it rides.

Unlike with a lot of other electric boards, there is no belt drive motor. The motors are actually hub based and in the wheels themselves. This makes for a lot less resistance when coasting and accelerating. The ride feels incredibly smooth–just like it would on a traditional longboard. The board itself is made of a composite material rather than bamboo. This means it’s a bit of a stiffer ride, which can take some getting used to at first. But it’s easy to figure out how to redistribute your weight to adjust for this difference.

The wheels are rubber which provide amazing traction on any surface you’d want to ride on. When I rode, I was on a board that had come equipped with a software upgrade that provided 40% more torque (this is a free upgrade from Inboard). This provides quicker acceleration and better responsiveness. Honestly, I can’t imagine this board without that upgrade. I definitely didn’t feel like I was lacking any in the power department.

RFLX Bluetooth Remote

The controller connects over bluetooth and is super easy to use. I never felt unsafe. Inboard provides a dual-activation system to prevent riders from accidentally accelerating. To operate the board, you press a trigger and toggle the controller forward. It can also go backwards, which is fun (and a little terrifying for me!).

Full spec roundup.

At less than 15 pounds, this board can be taken just about anywhere. They’re even safe to fly with. Each battery pack will get you 5-9 miles per charge and are super easy to swap out. Inboard says it can be done in 10 seconds, but I’d say it’s more like 11. Recharge time on batteries is about an hour and a half, and you can charge them off of the deck.

In terms of hill climbing, these boards are pretty much beasts. We tried it in the Hollywood Hills, and it crushed. Inboard says the max grade is 18%. Top speed is 22mph, but there is an update that will increase that max to 24mph. The bluetooth remote fit nicely in my hand and was easy to operate. Maybe the coolest thing about the whole system is the regenerative braking system. If you have a super hilly ride, this can be extremely useful for extending your charge. Built in headlights and taillights keep you completely visible and are great for your ability to see as well. In the box you’ll receive the board, a battery, RFLX remote, a soft-shell carrying case, charger, and tool for adjusting the trucks.

So there you have it! Overall, I’d just say that this electric longboard made me fall back in love with skating. It provides a smooth feel just like a traditional longboard, but without the pain of walking up or trying to pump up hills. The stiff feel of the board made me feel faster and more stable on the board. Check out where to buy this board here. Or pop on the Inboard website for more detailed info. Check out our blog for electric bike reviews.